The Bombay High Court has suggested mediation as a potential way to resolve the long-standing dispute within the Kalyani family over ancestral wealth estimated at over ₹1 lakh crore, urging the parties to consider an amicable settlement.
The matter was heard by Justice Rajesh Patil while considering an interim application in a suit filed by Sugandha Hiremath. Her case seeks enforcement of a 1994 family agreement and also raises questions regarding its legal maintainability.
Noting that the dispute has continued for more than two decades and spans multiple legal proceedings, the court recommended that the parties explore mediation not just for the present case but also for all related claims arising from the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) arrangement.
The dispute involves prominent family members, including Baba Kalyani, Sugandha Hiremath, and Gaurishankar Kalyani, along with their respective children, who have been engaged in prolonged litigation across various forums.
During the hearing, lawyers representing the parties responded cautiously to the suggestion. Senior advocate Dr Veerendra Tulzapukar, appearing for Baba Kalyani, stated that he would need to seek instructions from his client. Counsel Kunal Dwarkadas, representing Sugandha Hiremath, indicated that his client is open to mediation despite an earlier attempt having failed. Legal representatives for Gaurishankar Kalyani also requested time to obtain instructions.
Taking these submissions into account, the court adjourned the matter to April 15, by which time the parties are expected to clarify whether they are willing to proceed with mediation and the possible appointment of a mediator.
The court was informed that a previous mediation effort in 2024 did not succeed. At that time, Sugandha Hiremath’s children had approached a Pune court seeking their share in the ancestral property, and the matter was referred to the District Legal Services Authority. However, the mediation process concluded unsuccessfully by October 2024.
In a statement, Sugandha Hiremath expressed hope that the dispute could still be resolved within the family. She emphasised that such matters are best settled privately and acknowledged the emotional strain caused by prolonged litigation. She also noted that courts have increasingly encouraged mediation and that several high-profile family disputes have been resolved through similar mechanisms.
